Head Coach Graeme Thomas and his team have rejigged the squad structure for 2005-06, setting more specific goals at each level and renaming and increasing pool time for several squads. Full details of the thinking behind it are in letters going to all swimmers, but this is a summary of the aims at each level.
As always, remember the more you put in, the more you get out.
Consult the full 2005-06 training timetable.
| The Teaching Programme. Learn to swim for all ages from four to adults. Full details available. |
| Development
3: A well-structured and FUN programme. Emphasis is on the overall development of physical capacities, fundamental movement skills and the "ABCs" of athleticism – agility, balance, coordination and speed. Led by Peter Hood, two sessions per week. |
| Development
2 and 1: "Training to train" Major emphasis on stroke technique for swimmers normally aged 8/9-12, plus basic endurance and speed. An introduction to dry land training, e.g. the importance of stretching, and to nutritional requirements and mental preparation. Four to five sessions offered – lead coaches Emma Tarrant and James Golding (Development 2, four sessions) and Rob Knott (Development 1, five sessions). Attendance at all sessions is strongly encouraged. |
| Age
Group Squad: "Training to compete"
Swimmers learn to perform skills acquired under a variety of competitive conditions. A progressive training programme for swimmers normally 10-14, to be seen as a preparation for youth and senior swimming. Squad members will be expected to compete in all strokes and distances and especially in individual medley events. The land programme is further developed, cardiovascular fitness improved, with work on mental preparation and technical/tactical skills and time management. Competitive aims are ASA county, district and ultimately national age group competitions. Six sessions per week, lead coach Harry Wild. Swimmers showing a high level of commitment may be offered a seventh session with Top Squad. |
| County
Squad: Swimmers normally 14 and above who are competing at or aiming for county championships standard, with a view to progressing to districts. The squad also provides training and competition for swimmers who, for a variety of reasons, may be unable to commit to the requirements of other squads. This is a new squad and as such the coaching staff foresee that eligibility criteria, particularly in terms of commitment and attendance, may change to meet the needs of the group and the programme as a whole. Six sessions per week with lead coach Clive Alderson, and swimmers showing a high level of commitment may be offered a seventh session with Top Squad. Swimmers will not normally be offered a place in this squad without having reached the age group part of the club’s structure. |
| Top
Squads (Top District/Top National): "Training to win" All swimmers’ capacities consolidated with the focus shifting to optimization of performance. On promotion, swimmers will normally be aged 12/13-18 and will be showing the highest level of commitment, aiming to train and compete at the highest level. Exemplary attendance and attitude are a must, with swimmers expected to make all sessions assigned to them by the coaching staff and to attend designated competitions. Top District (led by David Wittig, eight sessions) will consist of swimmers preparing for or already competing at district championships level, with a view to progressing to nationals. Top National (Graeme Thomas, ten sessions) will already have reached national standard or be close to it (current best time normally within 3 per cent). |
| Masters Squad: Led by Gordon Carmichael, caters for swimmers aged 19 upwards of all abilities and includes numerous national medallists and valued members of our Speedo League teams. Details in the Masters Squad page. |
| Movement
guidelines: Most movements will be based on a combination of age, performance, ability to train, attendance, attitude and technique, not age or performance alone. Movement within the Development squads will be particularly fluid. Promotions will be coordinated between swimmer, parents and coaching staff at a time most beneficial for the individual. |
Competition
guidelines: In line with the recommendations of the ASFGB national performance director, swimmers will compete in line with the general principle of 10 years/10 competitions, 11 years/11 competitions etc. |
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